Expo Notes: Kanex’s DualRole provides ethernet and USB 3 in a single hub

Kanex on Thursday introduced its new DualRole device at Macworld/iWorld. The DualRole is a hub that provides three USB 3.0 ports and a gigabit ethernet adapter.

With the lack of ethernet in Apple current MacBook models, the DualRole provides ethernet connectivity by connecting to a computer’s USB port. And since the DualRole has additional USB 3 ports, you don’t give up an USB port on your Mac.

The DualRole runs off of the power from a USB port, but Kanex also allows you to connect a power adapter, in case you connect devices to the DualRole that require more juice.

The DualRole is $69. The device is on display at Kanex’s booth (#630) at Macworld/iWorld.